Education Officer in Wellingborough

As an Education Officer, you'll play a vital role in promoting educational engagement, participation and achievement for children and young people involved with the Youth Justice Service. You'll work closely with young people, families, schools, alternative provision settings, post-16 providers and partner agencies to identify barriers to education, training and employment and help create pathways to success.

You'll be a trusted specialist, providing advice, guidance and support to case managers and stakeholders, ensuring young people have access to the right educational opportunities and interventions at the right time. Your work will directly contribute to improving outcomes, supporting progression and helping children and young people reach their full potential.

You will be based in the North of the County, working out of Tithe Barn, Tithe Barn Road, Wellingborough NN8 1BN and 53 Billing Road, Northampton NN1 5BD. You will be expected to work for 30 hours per week, with an expectation that you are available during general office hours of 9am-5.30pm; there may be occasions where you are requested to work evenings.

What will you be doing?

• Building strong, positive relationships with schools, colleges, training providers and partner agencies to improve outcomes for children and young people.
• Assessing educational needs, strengths and barriers through direct work with young people and their families.
• Providing expert advice, guidance and information on education, training and employment opportunities.
• Working alongside Youth Justice Service Case Managers to develop, implement and review effective intervention plans.
• Identifying suitable educational provision and supporting young people to engage and achieve.
• Representing the Youth Justice Service at multi-agency meetings, panels and partnership forums.
• Contributing specialist education knowledge to safeguarding, risk management and intervention planning.
• Supporting children and young people with SEND, ensuring their needs are understood and appropriately met in line with the SEND Code of Practice.
• Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, helping ensure every young person has fair access to education, training and employment opportunities.
• Maintaining accurate records, reports and case documentation while working within safeguarding, information governance and statutory requirements.
• Keeping your professional knowledge current and continually developing your expertise to deliver the best outcomes for young people.

About you

• You're passionate about improving life chances for children and young people and confident working with those who face barriers to education, training and employment.
• You are educated to A-Level standard or an equivalent Level 3 qualification.
• You have experience of working with children and young people within the education, training and employment sector.
• You demonstrate a strong understanding of the education system, including alternative provision and post-16 pathways.
• Knowledgeable in educational inclusion, attendance and engagement strategies; you also understand SEND and the SEND Code of Practice.
• You are an excellent communicator, with the ability to build trust and influence positive outcomes.
• You motivate and encourage young people to engage positively in education, training and employment.
• You demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to make evidence-based recommendations.
• You have experience of working collaboratively with professionals across different agencies.
• You have good report-writing, presentation and IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

If you also have knowledge of the Youth Justice System and understand the challenges faced by young people and families involved in the criminal justice system, that's a real advantage.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore subject to an enhanced DBS certificate. It is also a regulated activity and will be subject to a Barred List check.

Our benefits

• We are committed to continuous improvement, building a skilled, knowledgeable, and flexible workforce alongside promoting innovation and creativity whilst keeping children, young people and families at the heart of all we do.
• We really value our workforce and offer you a great benefits package including: 28 days annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time) and an additional 5 days, after 5 years.
• Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill-health pension protection.
• Opportunity to purchase up to 25 days annual leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme - We have an employee support programme run by Health Assured, an independent, external organisation. Health Assured is available for you and your immediate family members, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and includes telephone counselling, legal advice, bereavement support and medical information.
• Employee discounts with local and national retailers, days out, finance, health and beauty, travel and eating out plus lots more.
• Flexible and family working arrangements including enhanced maternity benefits.
• A permanent, supportive and inclusive management team where you will be empowered to make good professional decisions.
• Extensive Learning & Development and career development opportunities.
• Subsidised town centre car parking scheme.

About us

At Northamptonshire Children's Trust, children, young people and families are at the heart of everything we do. Every decision we make and every action we take is guided by our commitment to delivering high-quality services that make a lasting difference to the lives of children, young people and families across Northamptonshire.

We know that our people are our greatest strength. Our workforce is at the centre of our success, and we are committed to creating an environment where colleagues feel valued, supported and empowered to do the best job of their lives every day. We foster a culture built on kindness, collaboration and trust, where achievements are recognised, ideas are welcomed and innovation is encouraged.

We are proud of the positive impact we make together and delighted that our work has been recognised by Ofsted, with an Outstanding rating for Leadership and Management and Good ratings across Help and Protection, Children in Care and Care Leavers.

At NCT, equality, diversity and inclusion are part of us and in everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and thrive in our organisation. We are a Disability Confident employer and have a commitment to care leavers, who we guarantee an interview if they meet the essential criteria.

If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of an ambitious, supportive and forward-thinking organisation, Northamptonshire Children's Trust could be the place for you.